A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When it slams into a sedan or SUV, weighing between 4,000 and 6,000 pounds, the results can be catastrophic. At Springer & Lyle, we have some “do’s and don’ts” for you to remember if you are the victim of a car-truck accident.
What to Do if you are in an Accident with a Truck
If you are in an accident with an 18-wheeler, chances are you may be seriously hurt and may even be transported to the hospital without being able to do anything. But if you are able to, try do the following:
- Call the police. This is the best way to have documentation of the accident. Having a police report can help you later if you file a personal injury claim for damages.
- Get medical attention. Some injuries are not immediately apparent. If you later claim to be injured, your failure to get initial medical care could count against you.
- Exchange information with the other driver. This includes the name, address, and license number of the driver, truck license plate number, and name of their insurance company. Take information on who the truck driver was working for and who owns the truck.
- Gather evidence of fault at the crash scene. Talk to witnesses and get their contact information. Take pictures, if you possibly can, of the accident scene and the position of the cars, the surrounding area, any obstacles that may have contributed to the crash, including tree branches overhanging a traffic light, potholes in the road, etc. Take pictures of the side of the truck with the DOT (Dept. of Transportation) number.
What Not to Do if You are In an Accident with a Truck
Watch what you say. Be careful not to make any admissions of fault or to apologize if the wreck wasn’t your fault. It is easy to say “I’m sorry” when you mean, I’m sorry the accident is causing a traffic jam, or I’m sorry people are going to be late to work. But later, these statements may be used against you when the truck’s insurance company tries to say you were admitting fault by apologizing for the accident.
Don’t post on social media. Do not post on any social media platform anything about the accident. It is tempting to describe the accident, to express your relief for not being hurt or not being hurt worse, or of wondering what you could have done differently. Do Not Do This! Anything you post can be discovered by the other side and used against you.
If you are in an accident with a truck driver, the personal injury attorneys at Springer & Lyle can help you get the reasonable compensation you are entitled for your injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other physical damage. Contact us at 940.387.0404 for a free consultation.
